I've had the experience that... I was told when I was separating from the military, at 25b(I don't know why and I didn't ask...), to expect a colonoscopy. It didn't happen. I mentioned it to my GP a couple of years later, he said probably between 30 and 35... Now I'm in my 40s. It's perpetually a couple of years away.
I get the sense from this, and from other anecdotes in life, that preventative maintenance, of all flavors, is something we used to do, for a brief period of time, but that we don't really do anymore.
I was speaking with my Dr. about these exploratory procedures and asked if early diagnosis extends life. He responded with general recommendations. Every procedure has a risk.
I have no symptoms, so what science studies with control groups show extending life?
Since my mom had colorectal cancer at 45 I was expected to start colonoscopy at 35 and then every 5 yrs
I did the first only so far and no polips.
There's nothing to be scared. It takes less than an hour and is painless. The worst part is the prep you do at home a day before. It's very powerful stuff. You'll be shitting clear water by the time they do the exam.
I get the sense from this, and from other anecdotes in life, that preventative maintenance, of all flavors, is something we used to do, for a brief period of time, but that we don't really do anymore.